Ok I voted anyway even though this is an older thread.I have spent so much money on rain gear in the past it isn't funny.And I think I can speak for alot of outdoors folks on that one.I myself have found that I prefer the frogg toggs ul2 suit to be my favorite over every other 100.00 plus dollar jacket I have bought in the past.I usually just cut the pants off to capri type length below the knee and it has an opening left big enough that I do not have to worry about getting my muddy shoe all over the inside.In florida I often do not even bring anything because it is so hot that A cool rain shower does not hurt anything and the sun will often dry out clothing in A matter of minutes.If need be bring just the jacket ans A insulation barrier on cooler nights here.That is just my .02

I don't do a lot of hiking in the rain but do carry a light jacket and packable rainpants..beside wearing REi hiking pants that unzip down to shorts,and a goretex ball cap.I do carry an extra Goretex raintarp/poncho(about 6'x6') I sewed up with some velcro along some of the edges to wear as a poncho,sewed on tie-outs to use as a hammock rainfly,and to just be able to sit on something dry for lunch in wet,wooded areas..Multi-purpose!That goes everywhere with me.In a downpour,it can be a good cover quickly tied out to some trees,or just draped over OUR heads..Rolls up to about 2" in diameter x10" long.

The views and opinions expressed by this person are his own and not the general consensus of others on this website.Realityguy